FAMILIES FACE THE RISK OF DEPORTATION IN ORDER TO GET PROPER HEALTH CARE

Posted by Michelle Lu

Oscar and Irma, parents of 2 month year old, Issac, were told that in order to cure Issac’s pyloric stenosis they would need to travel to a hospital in Corpus Christi. From Rio Grande Valley to Corpus Christi, the family would have to cross the Border Control Checkpoint. The couple made the decision to travel to Christi knowing that they would be stopped at the checkpoint facing deportation from their expired visitors visa. Although they were able to cross the checkpoint, the couple had agreed with officers to be escorted to the hospital where they were on constant surveillance and later arrested and face deportation. Irma was able to get his treatment though the status of his parents are unclear at this point.

It was heartbreaking to see that these parents were put in a tough situation to chose treatment for their son or deportation, as they were known to be hardworking and respected in their community. Many also question why the couple was put on such intense supervision as they do not have any criminal records. Although they were stopped at border patrol, the couple believed that a nurse had turned them in, violating the “Protecting Sensitive Locations Act.”